The fastest way to remove an app
On most tablets, you delete an app by pressing and holding its icon on the home screen until a menu appears, then tapping the delete or remove option. The exact wording and steps depend on whether you use an iPad (Apple) or an Android tablet, but both methods take less than ten seconds once you know where to look.
The app itself is removed from your device, but your account and any data tied to that app may still exist on the company's servers. If you reinstall the app later, you can usually sign back in and pick up where you left off. Some apps let you back up your data before you delete them—check the app's settings first if you want to save anything.
Key Takeaways
- On iPad, press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then tap "Remove App" and confirm the deletion.
- On Android tablets, press and hold the app icon, then drag it to "Uninstall" or tap the uninstall button that appears.
- Deleting an app removes it from your device but does not erase your account or data stored on the app company's servers.
- You can reinstall a deleted app later from the App Store (iPad) or Google Play Store (Android) without losing your account information.
- Some apps cannot be deleted because they came built into your tablet, though you can usually disable them instead.
Deleting apps on an iPad
Press and hold the app icon on your home screen until a dark menu appears with several options. Look for "Remove App" in that menu and tap it. A second menu will ask you to confirm—tap "Remove from Home Screen" if you want to keep the app but hide it, or "Delete App" if you want to remove it entirely from your iPad.
If you choose "Delete App," the system will ask one more time whether you want to delete it. Tap "Delete" to finish. The app is now gone from your device. If you ever want it back, you can read it again from the App Store for free (assuming it was free when you first got it, or you own a paid version).
Deleting apps on an Android tablet
Press and hold the app icon until it becomes highlighted or a menu pops up. On most Android tablets, you will see an "Uninstall" button appear at the top of the screen, or the option will show in a menu. Tap "Uninstall" and confirm when the system asks. The app is removed from your tablet.
Some Android tablets let you drag the app icon upward to an "Uninstall" zone at the top of the screen instead of using a menu. If you are not sure which method your tablet uses, try pressing and holding first—the screen will show you what to do next.
Apps you cannot delete
Tablets come with some apps built in by the manufacturer or your wireless carrier. These system apps usually cannot be deleted, even if you never use them. On iPad, this includes apps like Settings, Camera, and Photos. On Android, it depends on the tablet maker, but common ones are Gmail, Google Maps, and the Play Store itself.
If you cannot delete an app, you can usually disable it instead. On Android, press and hold the app, tap "App info," then look for a "Disable" button. On iPad, you cannot disable built-in apps, but you can remove them from your home screen by pressing and holding and choosing "Remove from Home Screen"—they stay on your device but out of sight. You can always find them again by searching or checking your full app library.
What happens to your data when you delete an app
Deleting an app from your tablet removes the app itself and any data stored locally on the device. However, information you created inside that app—like messages, photos, or account settings—often stays on the company's servers. If the app syncs to the cloud (like Gmail or OneDrive), your data is still there.
When you reinstall the app and sign in with the same account, you usually get your data back. Some apps let you back up your information before you delete them. Check the app's settings menu for an export or backup option if you want to save something before removing the app.
Freeing up storage space by deleting apps
Deleting apps is one way to free up storage on a tablet that is running low on space. Large apps like games, video editors, or streaming services can take up several gigabytes. Removing them gives you room for photos, documents, or other files.
To see how much space each app is using, go to Settings on your tablet. On iPad, tap "General," then "iPad Storage." On Android, tap "Storage" or "Apps." The system will show you a list of apps ranked by size. Delete the ones you do not use regularly to recover the most space. You can always reinstall them later if you change your mind.
Reinstalling an app you deleted
On iPad, open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow (not the price button). The app downloads and installs. On Android, open Google Play Store, search for the app, and tap "Install." Both stores remember that you own the app, so you do not have to pay again if it was paid software.
When you open the reinstalled app and sign in with your account, you should see your old data and settings. The speed of this process depends on how much data the app needs to sync back to your device—it usually takes a few seconds to a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting an app erase my account?
No. Deleting the app removes it from your tablet, but your account stays active on the company's servers. When you reinstall the app and sign in, your account and data are still there. You only lose data if you explicitly delete your account through the app's settings or the company's website.
Can I delete an app if I paid for it?
Yes. Paid apps can be deleted just like free ones. You do not get a refund, but you can reinstall the app later without paying again—the store remembers your purchase. If you want a refund, you usually have to request it within a few days of purchase through the App Store or Google Play, not by deleting the app.
What if I accidentally delete an app I need?
You can reinstall it when ready from the App Store (iPad) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for the app by name and tap the read button. It will be back on your tablet within a minute or two, and your account information will still be there when you sign in.
Does deleting an app speed up my tablet?
Slightly, but only if the app was running in the background or using a lot of storage. Deleting a large game or video app frees up space, which can help if your tablet was almost full. Removing a small app you never use will not make much difference to speed.
Can I delete multiple apps at once?
On iPad, you can press and hold one app, then tap the plus sign that appears and tap other apps to select them, then choose "Remove Apps" to delete them all together. On Android, most tablets require you to delete apps one at a time, though some allow you to select multiple apps in the app management settings.